Jaipur, the pink city & the capital of the most vibrant state of India – Rajasthan is one of the most tourism-friendly cities of India. Domestic & International tourists are always interested in visiting Rajasthan & their starting point is usually this magnificent historic city. Rightly so, there is enough to explore in the gorgeous city which still has it’s roots, it’s culture and history harmoniously co-existing with the present. Thus, providing a magnificent opportunity for tourism.
Best time to visit Jaipur?
Rajasthan is a hot state. In summer, it can go up to 50* C in some parts of the state. Jaipur can get really hot in Summer so the best time to visit Jaipur is from Last week of October to First Week of March. November & December being the best months in terms of climate are crowded as well.
How to reach Jaipur?
Its very easy to reach Jaipur from any part of India or the world.
Air: Jaipur is connected by almost all the major cities of India by air. If you are coming from any non-Indian city, it is recommended that you get down at New Delhi (The capital) and then take a cab to Jaipur.
Road: Jaipur has an excellent road connectivity with rest of the country. New Delhi is just 4 hours away by road. Other important cities of Rajasthan are also in 4-6 hours radius from Jaipur.
Train: There are many super-fast & local trains going to Jaipur from different cities of India. If you are planning to visit during the peak season, book your seat in advance. The reservations begin 4 months in advance in Indian trains.
Where to stay?
Jaipur is filled with accommodation options. Right from small hostels to 5-star hotels, there’s a stay option for every age & pocket. We recommend Fairmont Jaipur because if you are coming to a royal city, you must stay in a royal hotel as well. Fairmont Jaipur is a palace that has integrated the royal heritage of Jaipur with ultra-modern amenities for guests seamlessly. It is also perfectly priced & located in one of the best areas in the city.
Things to see in Jaipur
Jaipur is a treat to all senses. The colorful culture, tasty Rajasthani food, folk music, earthly aromas & many other experiences can hold your attention in the Rajasthani capital for at least 3 days.
1. Hawa Mahal
The monument symbolizes the city. Hawa Mahal is considered one of the most prominent monuments of India as well. Hawa Mahal isn’t actually a palace though, it was a special construction done by the king so that ladies of the Royal families could observe the life outside without actually being observed by commoners.
The construction is so intrinsic & careful that at any given time of the day (or night), it will always be breezy on the other side of the wall. This was definitely a marvel considering the era it was constructed in.
2. City Palace
City Palace is the main complex building of Jaipur. It is also known as the center of Jaipur. There are 2 more palaces inside the premise – Mubarak Mahal & Chandra Mahal. This is where the king of Jaipur used to reside & rule from.
Don’t forget to see all the parts of the city palace including Diwan-e-aam, Diwan-khaas, Maharani palace & temple of Govind Dev Ji.
3. Jantar Mantar
If you ask any Indian about Jantar Mantar, the first thing that will come in anyone’s mind is activists fasting & fighting a cause. That’s true in some cases, but that’s not why Jantar Mantar is famous.
There are 5 Jantar Mantar in India – Jaipur, New Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain & Varanasi. The best-preserved ones are in Jaipur & New Delhi.
Jantar Mantar contains a set of instruments to measure the time of the day with the help of the Sun. Also, Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss it!
4. Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall Museum is one of the best-preserved museums in India. It is also the oldest museum of Rajasthan & a must-visit sight when you are in the Pink City of India.
This 130+ year old museum contains many important artifacts, paintings, carpets, and other things that are important to the city of Jaipur & its history.
5. Birla Mandir
There are many Birla Temples around India, but Jaipur’s Birla Temple is one of the finest. Located on top of a hill, it is always peaceful over here. Try being here in the evening to see the beautiful aarti.
Don’t forget to see the outside walls which have depictions of various other faiths & gods.
6. Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is still a mystery to most of the tourists & locals alike. Jal Mahal is located between the city center & the way towards Amer Fort. It is in the middle of Man Sagar Lake & it is still not open to visitors.
You can only see Jal Mahal from the road & it is always nice to see it in the evening or at night.
7. Amer Fort
You must dedicate an entire day just to visit forts and palaces of Jaipur. Amer Fort is the most important one. Just a single glimpse of the fort is enough to understand the grandeur of this marvel.
Amer Fort is not only a fort but also a palace. There are 4 levels & all four of them have unique structural properties to it. Amer Fort is also one of the World UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Don’t miss out on the Light & Sound Show happening at night. The show is in English & Hindi both. It is easily one of the best light & sound shows we’ve ever seen!
8. Jaigarh Fort & Nahargarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort was built after Amer Fort to protect it. The design is similar to that of Amer Fort. Again, the entire complex of Jaigarh is worth visiting & the most fascinating site definitely is the cannon on wheels. It was known as the largest cannon in the world during that time (~1726)
Finally, the Nahargarh Fort is the last fort on the hill. Unlike the other 2 forts, Nahargarh was supposed to be used only in the time of retreat. The city view from Nahargarh fort is fascinating & that alone makes it a must-visit place in the capital city of Rajasthan.
9. Jaipur Zoo
Jaipur Zoo is one of the oldest Zoo of India. It is about 140 years old & located near the Albert Hall Museum. It has over 50 species of animals & birds & that makes it a fascinating sight for sure. Visit the Zoo here to know more about the wildlife of Rajasthan.
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